It's been three years since Jeff Gordon led the field during the Brickyard 400. Gordon took the checkered flag that day for his fifth Brickyard 400 and 90th career win.

Gordon will again get the opportunity to lead the field again this year, but in a different way. NASCAR and Indianapolis Motor Speedway announced that Gordon will drive the pace car for this year's Brickyard 400 on July 23. He'll be behind the wheel of a 2017 Chevrolet Camaro Zl1.

Jeff Gordon and a CGI model of the pace car he will drive at this year's Brickyard 400.(Photo11: Chevrolet and JGI)

"It's hard to believe this is the 24th running of the Brickyard 400," Gordon said in a news release. "This has been a very special race over the years — for me and NASCAR. Winning at the famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway was a dream of mine as a kid. I'm excited to lead the field to the green at this year's Brickyard 400, and I appreciate Doug Boles and Chevrolet for giving me this opportunity."

Although he was born in California, Gordon grew up in Pittsboro and raced around the state. He won the inaugural Brickyard 400 back in 1994 and then went on to take the checkered flag in 1998, 2001, 2004 and 2014. His resume at the Brickyard also includes three poles and he finished in the top-10 17 times out of the 23 races he was in.

"Jeff Gordon is one of the greatest drivers to ever compete at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and we're honored to welcome him back to pace the 24th annual Brickyard 400," IMS President Doug Boles said in a statement. "It's only fitting that Jeff will be out front and leading, a place where the fans of this great race are accustomed to seeing him."